Crewe Alexandra hold off challenge of Coventry to earn a place in the Johnstone Paint Trophy final

CREWE Alexandra have booked a return trip to Wembley after holding off the challenge of Coventry to reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.

Alex suffered a 2-0 defeat on the night, but the three-goal lead earned in the remarkable first leg victory at the Ricoh Arena ensured Steve Davis’ men will meet last year’s play-off semi final rivals Southend at Wembley on April 7.

Coventry travelled to the Alexandra Stadium knowing they would need a bright start to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg, but Davis’ men were resolute in their defence and looked good value for a 3-0 aggregate win as the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark.

It was only then that the late drama unfolded, as Mark Ellis's own goal saw the visitors pull one back in the 93rd minute and Coventry capitalised on the panic that goal created to score again through Leon Clarke’s header little more than a minute later.

Crewe’s fans were forced to endure another three minutes of injury time after the second goal, but Davis’ men held on to secure a return to the stadium where they earned a passage into League One just nine months ago.

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